If you’ve ever craved the perfect Indian flatbread that’s soft, slightly charred, and irresistibly buttery, you’re in for a treat with this Grilled Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that creates naan with a delightful chew and a subtle tang from yogurt, all beautifully kissed by the smoky grill marks. Whether you’re pairing it with spicy curry or enjoying it on its own, this grilled naan will quickly become your go-to bread for sharing and savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the magic behind great homemade naan. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fluffy texture to that characteristic slight tang and golden finish.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your naan providing structure and softness.
- Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
- Instant yeast: The secret behind the light, airy texture of the naan.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect dough consistency.
- Plain yogurt: Adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang to the bread.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough soft and easy to handle.
- Milk: Contributes to a richer dough and better browning on the grill.
- Melted butter: Brushed on warm naan for a heavenly, buttery finish.
- Optional chopped cilantro or garlic: Adds a fresh or savory garnish that elevates the flavor.
How to Make Grilled Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures all the dry components are evenly distributed before adding liquids, which helps the dough develop evenly.
Step 2: Add Warm Water and Mix
Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring constantly. This helps activate the yeast and begins forming a sticky dough base. The warmth is key for the yeast to do its magic.
Step 3: Incorporate Yogurt, Oil, and Milk
Next, add the plain yogurt, vegetable oil, and milk. These ingredients make the dough extra soft and tender, giving the naan its signature texture. Mix until smooth, then knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes till the dough feels elastic and soft.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 1 to 1.5 hours. During this time, the dough will double in size, becoming airy and perfect for grilling.
Step 5: Divide and Shape
After rising, punch the dough down gently to release air bubbles and divide it into six equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball. This step is essential for consistent naan size and thickness.
Step 6: Preheat the Grill
Set your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot surface is crucial for those irresistible grill marks and to cook the naan through while keeping it soft inside.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into an oval or teardrop shape about a quarter-inch thick. This thickness ensures the naan cooks quickly but remains pillowy.
Step 8: Grill One Side
Place the rolled naan onto the hot grill. Grill it for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface and the bottom develops beautiful golden brown grill marks.
Step 9: Flip and Grill the Other Side
Flip the naan carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the second side is golden and the bread is cooked through but still soft.
Step 10: Brush with Butter and Garnish
Remove the naan from the grill and immediately brush with melted butter for that luscious shine and flavor. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or minced garlic for an extra punch if you like.
Step 11: Serve Warm
Enjoy your grilled naan fresh off the grill with your favorite curries, dips, or simply on its own as a delightful snack.
How to Serve Grilled Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of minced garlic can make all the difference in presentation and flavor. They add a pop of color and aroma that heightens the sensory experience.
Side Dishes
This naan pairs beautifully with spicy dishes like butter chicken, chana masala, or daal. It’s also fantastic for scooping up creamy raita or tangy chutneys, making your meal truly authentic and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the naan into strips and serving as a bread basket or wrapping it around grilled meats or veggies for a delicious naan wrap. You can even use it as a base for quick personal pizzas topped with your favorite ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover naan, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This keeps it soft and ready to reheat for a quick snack or meal addition.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each naan individually in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight freezer bag. Frozen naan keeps well for up to 1 month and is easy to thaw when needed.
Reheating
Reheat naan on a hot skillet or grill for a couple of minutes on each side until warm and slightly crisp. You can also pop it in the oven wrapped in foil or quickly microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to maintain softness.
FAQs
Can I make naan without yeast?
While yeast gives naan its traditional texture and airy quality, you can try baking soda or baking powder as substitutes, but the bread will be denser and lack that classic naan chew.
Is it necessary to grill the naan, or can I cook it on a pan?
You can definitely cook naan on a hot skillet or grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Just ensure the pan is well-heated to mimic the high heat that creates those characteristic charred spots.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Substituting whole wheat flour is possible but may yield a denser naan with a nuttier flavor. You might want to mix whole wheat with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
How can I make naan garlic flavored?
Add finely minced garlic to the dough or sprinkle garlic on top after brushing with melted butter for a delicious garlic naan variation.
Can I store naan dough after rising?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough after it has risen for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and grilling for best results.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Grilled Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe, you’ll never look back at store-bought naan again. The joy of making your own soft, smoky, buttery naan right at home is simply unbeatable. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and dive into some delicious homemade goodness with every bite.
Print
Grilled Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 pieces
- Category: Bread
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This recipe for Grilled Naan provides a delicious, soft Indian flatbread that is perfectly charred on a grill or grill pan. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yogurt, and yeast, the naan is easy to prepare at home and adds an authentic touch to any meal. The bread is brushed with melted butter and optionally garnished with chopped cilantro or garlic for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: Chopped cilantro or garlic for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt thoroughly to create the base for your naan dough.
- Add Warm Water: Slowly pour warm water into the flour mixture, stirring continuously until the dough starts to form.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Knead: Add the yogurt, vegetable oil, and milk to the dough mixture. Mix well until the dough becomes smooth and soft. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until elastic and pliable.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Divide and Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 6 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the naan.
- Roll Out Naan: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into an oval or teardrop shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Grill One Side: Place the rolled naan onto the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and the underside develops golden brown grill marks.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Turn the naan over and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Brush with Butter and Garnish: Remove the naan from the grill. Immediately brush with melted butter and garnish with chopped cilantro or minced garlic if desired.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your grilled naan warm, served alongside your favorite curry, dip, or as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Allow the dough to fully rise to achieve a soft and airy naan texture.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet works well as a substitute.
- Brushing with butter right after grilling keeps the naan moist and adds a rich flavor.
- Feel free to add herbs or garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
